Program Overview
Birdon operates eight cable-drawn vehicular ferries across seven crossings in the Sydney region under contract with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW). These ferries provide essential transport links to urban, rural, and bushland areas where alternative road access is limited or non-existent.
Our services includes 24/7 operations, emergency response, and customer service, ensuring continuous access for local communities, emergency services, and transport networks across New South Wales.
Quick Facts
- Client
Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW)
- Location
Sydney region, NSW
- Lifecycle Stage
Operate and Maintain
- Vessel
Cable-drawn vehicular ferry fleet (8 ferries across 7 crossings)
- Timeline
July 2022 – July 2026
- Availability KPI
>99%
Objectives
- Deliver safe, continuous ferry operations across seven crossings
- Maintain high service availability and customer satisfaction
- Ensure compliance with AMSA, TfNSW, and WHS regulations
Challenges
- Operating in flood-prone and bush-fire affected areas, in remote locations
- Managing fatigue, lone worker safety, and emergency preparedness
- Coordinating with multiple stakeholders including TfNSW, local councils, and emergency services
- Maintaining service continuity in extreme weather such as heat and floods
Birdon’s Approach
Birdon’s operations are underpinned by ISO-certified systems and a structured operational model focused on safety, reliability, and workforce capability.
Operations are delivered by a team of 50 trained ferry operators holding Coxswain Grade 3 and AMSA endorsements, supported by structured rostering, fatigue management protocols, and daily shift handovers to ensure continuity across all crossings and emergency events.
Safety and compliance are managed through a WHSMP aligned with ISO 45001, incorporating hazard identification, risk assessment, incident reporting, and regular emergency drills. Environmental and safety controls include PPE compliance, spill response procedures, and site-specific inductions for all personnel.
Training and competency are maintained through a structured training matrix and operator logbooks, with onboarding and refresher programs aligned to TfNSW and AMSA requirements. Ferry Operator Trainers are required to meet defined experience and performance standards to ensure consistent capability across the workforce.
Community engagement and stakeholder coordination are embedded within operations, public feedback channels, and direct coordination with TfNSW, Water Police, and local councils. Environmental management aligns with ISO 14001 standards, supported by Chemwatch SDS registers, spill kits, marine booms, and containment procedures.
Outcomes & Impact
Birdon has delivered consistent, high-performance ferry operations across all seven crossings, maintaining availability above 99% while supporting essential transport access for communities across New South Wales.
The program has achieved zero serious safety incidents, supported by proactive hazard identification, reporting, and mitigation processes. High levels of customer satisfaction have been maintained, reinforcing Birdon’s position as a trusted operator for public transport services.
Testimonial
“It’s a good brand, regionally located, a direct employer, you have good training and diversity training, and all of this offers significant value. It’s a tight contract.”
John Soars
Director, TfNSW
Capabilities in Action
- 24/7 ferry operations and service delivery across multiple crossings
- Workforce management, training, and competency frameworks
- Safety and compliance aligned to AMSA and TfNSW requirements
- Emergency response coordination and operational continuity planning
- Environmental management and pollution control systems
- Delivery under ISO-certified management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001)
